Healthy diets are useful in the treatment of inflammatory conditions. Many people have attempted vegan (eliminates animal products) and vegetarian (excludes meat) diets in fighting fibromyalgia. The significant symptoms of this disorder include widespread pain and disturbed sleep. Plant-based diets can provide some relief in the management of inflammation. However, the pescatarian diet is more effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia. This modified vegetarian diet includes fishes in addition to animal products such as dairy and eggs.
Plant-based foods are rich in micronutrients and antioxidants. They produce anti-inflammatory substances. Incorporating them into your diet will be useful in the management of pain. Studies show that fibro sufferers can benefit from plant-based foods. These foods provide energy while reducing fatigue which is also a symptom of fibromyalgia.
Animal based foods high in fats contain chemicals and toxins which encourage inflammation. Avoiding such diets will enhance the health of fibro sufferers. While providing nutrition, plant-based foods can neutralize the toxins found in meat and poultry. However, lean protein such as fishes containing omega-3 fatty acids can protect the body against inflammation. Pescatarian diet includes fishes which make it more beneficial in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Changing to a pescatarian diet should be a gradual process. Sudden elimination of meat in meals can lead to digestive changes and headaches. People suffering from fibromyalgia who switch to meat-free diets should eat more legumes, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and fruits. Whole grains such as barley and brown rice are preferable to bread and other processed carbohydrates. These plant-based foods contain carotenoids, flavonoids, and antioxidants which are compounds that shield tissues from oxidation and minimize inflammation.
Transition to this type of vegetarian diet should be slow. It requires the replacement of animal proteins with plant-based proteins. Legumes such as soybeans are rich in protein. However, you should introduce them in small amounts. Failure to maintain the proportion of protein needed by the body can weaken the immune system. It can also cause muscle weakness and reduce concentration.
Researchers found that fibro patients who followed the pescatarian diet experience relief from swollen joints and pains. However, those on vegetarian or vegan diets need omega-3 supplements to such significant improvement. Fishes such as herring, mackerel, sardines, and salmon are rich in omega-3. Pescatarians who consume at least two servings of these fishes weekly don’t need omega-3 supplements. This fatty acid is useful in the treatment of depression, rheumatoid arthritis or heart diseases associated with fibromyalgia.
Consumption of virgin olive oil can also reduce inflammation. Just like ibuprofen, it relieves pain. High temperatures can destroy the polyphenols which are the active compound in this oil. Consequently, it is not advisable to use olive oil for baking or frying.
Besides its role in the management of pain in fibro sufferers, pescatarian diet can contribute to weight loss. It can also improve your sleep pattern. Pescatarians are less likely to have high blood pressure as omega-3 fatty acids encourage healthy heart conditions. Change your dietary habit to enhance your health and well-being. However, you should consult your physician before you adopt a new diet.
